Pictured: Former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, speaking at JABSOM in 2016 at the services for Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell.
By UH Med Now
Former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka has died at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of true aloha and many, many accomplishments behind. We at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) are grateful for “Danny’s” service to his country.
“Senator Akaka represented the people of Hawaiʻi with great humility, manaʻo and perspective. He used the University of Hawaiʻi as a key vehicle to bring federal funding and other opportunities to all the people of Hawaiʻi. As a friend of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, he gave liberally of his time and advice to better the health of the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Dr. Jerris Hedges, Dean.
UH Med Now will be posting remembrances from our JABSOM ʻOhana throughout today.
On the national front, these words, among many others, have poured in about the nation’s first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian descent, a man who wanted simply to be called “Danny,” and who fellow members of Congress often said embodied the spirit of Aloha and Hawaiʻi.
From U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker and Congressional Minority Leader, via Twitter:
“From his service during WWII, to his 30 yrs representing the people of Hawaii in the halls of Congress, Daniel Akaka’s legacy of action & activism represent the best of America. May it be a comfort to his family that so many join in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man.”
From U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, via Twitter:
“Daniel K. Akaka was beloved by everyone in Hawaiʻi, and his colleagues of both parties in Washington DC. A pure heart, a determined warrior for native Hawaiians, and a true public servant. We will miss you, Senator Akaka. Aloha.”
From U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, via Twitter:
“In Congress, Senator Akaka’s care, empathy, and collegiality served as an example for us all. It’s an honor to sit at his desk in the Senate chamber, and we continue his work to improve the lives of veterans and the Native Hawaiian community.”
From U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, via Twitter:
“Hawaiʻi’s heart is broken this morning as we learn of the passing of one of Hawaii’s greatest statesman. Thank you, Senator Akaka, for your legacy of courage and love. You taught Congress and our nation how to fight with dignity and Aloha. We all aspire to lead like you.”
From U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, via Twitter:
“Senator Akaka truly embodied the aloha spirit & selflessly dedicated his life to serving others. He treated everyone equally, with kindness, respect & love – no matter who they were or how they treated him. He responded always with aloha, sharing his warm smile & embrace w/ all”
